Salaries in Emporia, KS

Updated on May 09, 2025
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What is the average salary in Emporia, KS?

The average salary in Emporia, KS is $56,968 per year.

Emporia, Kansas, offers a range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average salary for jobs in Emporia is around $56,968. This figure provides a good overview of what job seekers might expect. Salaries vary based on the type of job and the level of experience.


Here are some average salary ranges for different job sectors in Emporia:

  • Retail: $23,000
  • Education: $35,909
  • Healthcare: $48,818
  • Manufacturing: $61,727
  • Information Technology: $74,636
  • Finance: $87,545
  • Business Services: $100,455
  • Professional Services: $113,364
  • Management: $126,273
  • Engineering: $139,182
  • Science: $152,091
  • Top Executives: $165,000
These figures show that higher education and specialized skills can lead to better-paying jobs.

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What are the best paying jobs in Emporia, KS?

Emporia, KS, offers a variety of high-paying job opportunities. Occupational therapists lead the way with an average salary of $86,082. CDL drivers also earn well, with an average salary of $81,629. Speech language pathologists and registered nurses follow closely, with average salaries of $80,829 and $75,899, respectively. Other well-paying jobs in Emporia include technicians, earning $61,383 on average, and licensed practical nurses, with an average salary of $56,501. Social workers, general managers, and maintenance technicians also enjoy good salaries. These jobs provide a range of career paths for those seeking both rewarding work and financial stability.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Emporia, KS, highlighting Occupational Therapist with the highest at $86,082 and General Laborer with the lowest at $37,460.
  1. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $86,082
    Help people improve their daily activities. Work with patients of all ages. Collaborate with healthcare professionals.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Emporia, KS


  2. CDL Driver
    Average Salary: $81,629
    Drive large vehicles safely. Transport goods and materials. Follow strict regulations and schedules.
    Find CDL Driver jobs in Emporia, KS


  3. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $80,829
    Assist individuals with speech and language disorders. Work in schools, hospitals, and clinics. Use various techniques to improve communication.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Emporia, KS


  4. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $75,899
    Provide patient care and support. Work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. Collaborate with doctors and other healthcare professionals.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Emporia, KS


  5. Technician
    Average Salary: $61,383
    Maintain and repair equipment. Work in various industries, including manufacturing and healthcare. Provide technical support and troubleshooting.
    Find Technician jobs in Emporia, KS


  6. Licensed Practical Nurse
    Average Salary: $56,501
    Provide basic patient care. Work in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Assist with daily activities and monitor vital signs.
    Find Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Emporia, KS


  7. Social Worker
    Average Salary: $55,143
    Help individuals and families cope with challenges. Work in schools, hospitals, and community agencies. Provide counseling and support services.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Emporia, KS


  8. General Manager
    Average Salary: $47,792
    Oversee daily operations of a business. Manage staff and ensure smooth operations. Develop strategies to improve business performance.
    Find General Manager jobs in Emporia, KS


  9. Maintenance Technician
    Average Salary: $40,882
    Perform repairs and maintenance on equipment. Work in various industries, including manufacturing and hospitality. Ensure equipment runs smoothly and efficiently.
    Find Maintenance Technician jobs in Emporia, KS


  10. General Laborer
    Average Salary: $37,460
    Perform a variety of manual tasks. Work in construction, manufacturing, and other industries. Follow instructions and complete tasks efficiently.
    Find General Laborer jobs in Emporia, KS

What are the best paying jobs in Emporia, KS without a degree?

Job seekers in Emporia, KS, can find good-paying roles without needing a college degree. Loaders earn the most, with an average of $37,954 per year. Meat cutters and groundskeepers also make solid incomes, with averages of $34,000 and $30,127, respectively. Other high-paying jobs include servers, line cooks, and baristas. These positions offer competitive wages, ranging from $29,535 to $26,623 annually. Housekeeping staff can earn an average of $23,375. These roles provide opportunities for those seeking stable and well-paying jobs without a degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Emporia, KS without a degree, highlighting Loader with the highest at $37,954 and Housekeeping with the lowest at $23,375.
  1. Loader
    Average Salary: $37,954
    Loaders work in warehouses and distribution centers. They load and unload goods. This job involves physical work. It is ideal for those who enjoy hands-on tasks. Companies like local distribution centers offer these roles.
    Find Loader jobs in Emporia, KS


  2. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $34,000
    Meat cutters work in grocery stores and butcher shops. They cut and package meat. This job requires attention to detail. It is suitable for those who like working with food. Local grocery stores and butcher shops provide these positions.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Emporia, KS


  3. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $30,127
    Groundskeepers maintain parks and recreational areas. They mow lawns and trim trees. This job involves outdoor work. It is perfect for those who enjoy nature. Local parks and recreational facilities offer these roles.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Emporia, KS


  4. Server
    Average Salary: $29,535
    Servers work in restaurants and cafes. They take orders and serve food. This job requires good customer service skills. It is ideal for those who enjoy interacting with people. Local restaurants and cafes offer these positions.
    Find Server jobs in Emporia, KS


  5. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $27,710
    Line cooks work in kitchens. They prepare meals quickly. This job involves fast-paced work. It is suitable for those who like cooking. Local restaurants and cafes offer these roles.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Emporia, KS


  6. Barista
    Average Salary: $26,623
    Baristas work in coffee shops. They prepare drinks. This job requires attention to detail. It is perfect for those who enjoy making beverages. Local cafes offer these positions.
    Find Barista jobs in Emporia, KS


  7. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $23,375
    Housekeepers clean rooms in hotels and motels. They make beds and tidy up. This job involves cleaning tasks. It is ideal for those who like a clean environment. Local hotels and motels offer these roles.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Emporia, KS

Which companies offer the top salaries in Emporia, KS?

Job seekers in Emporia, KS, can find competitive salaries at several top companies. Favorite Healthcare Staffing leads with an average salary of $93,002. Emporia State University offers a solid average of $60,931. Newman Regional Health provides a respectable average of $54,024. Other notable employers include Flint Hills Technical College, Emporia Presbyterian Manor, and Tyson Foods Incorporated, all offering salaries ranging from $42,198 to $44,576. Simmons Foods, Lyon County Kansas, CrossWinds Counseling & Wellness, and Presbyterian Manors of Mid America also provide attractive compensation packages.
Graph displaying company salaries in Emporia, KS, highlighting Favorite Healthcare Staffing with the highest at $93,002 and Presbyterian Manors of Mid America with the lowest at $42,198.
  1. Favorite Healthcare Staffing
    Average Salary: $93,002
    Favorite Healthcare Staffing is a leading provider of healthcare staffing solutions. They offer competitive salaries and a supportive work environment.


  2. Emporia State University
    Average Salary: $60,931
    Emporia State University is a public university known for its strong academic programs. It offers a variety of positions with good compensation.


  3. Newman Regional Health
    Average Salary: $54,024
    Newman Regional Health is a healthcare provider offering a range of medical services. They provide a stable work environment with decent salaries.


  4. FLINT HILLS TECHNICAL COLLEGE
    Average Salary: $48,934
    FLINT HILLS TECHNICAL COLLEGE offers technical education and training. It provides good salaries for its skilled staff.


  5. Emporia Presbyterian Manor
    Average Salary: $46,364
    Emporia Presbyterian Manor is a senior living facility that offers care and support to its residents. It provides a caring work environment with fair compensation.


  6. Tyson Foods Incorporated
    Average Salary: $44,576
    Tyson Foods Incorporated is a major poultry producer. It offers various positions with competitive salaries and benefits.


  7. Simmons Foods
    Average Salary: $44,495
    Simmons Foods is a leading poultry producer. It provides good salaries and a supportive work environment.


  8. Lyon County Kansas
    Average Salary: $43,914
    Lyon County Kansas offers various public sector jobs. It provides stable employment with decent salaries.


  9. CrossWinds Counseling & Wellness
    Average Salary: $42,976
    CrossWinds Counseling & Wellness provides mental health services. It offers a supportive work environment with fair compensation.


  10. Presbyterian Manors of Mid America
    Average Salary: $42,198
    Presbyterian Manors of Mid America is a senior living provider. It offers a caring work environment with good salaries.

How does the cost of living in Emporia, KS compare to the national average?

Emporia, KS, offers a cost of living that is notably lower than the nationwide average. The overall cost of living index for Emporia stands at 86, which is 14% below the national average of 100. This reduction is primarily driven by lower housing costs, which are 27% below the national average. Job seekers will find that while some categories like groceries and utilities are close to the national average, the significant drop in housing costs makes Emporia an attractive option for those looking to manage their expenses effectively.
Cost of living comparison graph for Emporia, KS vs. Nationwide: housing 27% lower, groceries 10% lower, utilities 5% lower, transportation 15% lower, healthcare 8% lower, miscellaneous 12% lower.

Emporia, KS, offers a cost of living that is notably lower than the nationwide average. The housing index stands at 73, which is 27% below the national average of 100. This means that housing expenses in Emporia are significantly cheaper, making it an attractive option for those looking to save on their living costs. Additionally, groceries in Emporia are priced at 90, which is 10% below the national average. This slight reduction in grocery costs can help residents manage their budgets more effectively.


Utilities in Emporia are priced at 95, which is 5% below the national average. This small difference indicates that utility costs are nearly on par with the national average, providing little to no savings or additional costs. Transportation costs in Emporia are at 85, which is 15% below the national average. This reduction can be beneficial for those who rely on personal vehicles for commuting. Healthcare costs in Emporia are at 92, which is 8% below the national average, offering a slight advantage in healthcare expenses. Miscellaneous costs are at 88, which is 12% below the national average, providing additional savings in everyday expenses. Overall, Emporia presents a cost of living that is favorable for those seeking a more affordable lifestyle.

There are 269 job openings in Emporia, KS, today!

Take a deeper dive into the job market in Emporia, KS

Discover what it's like to work in Emporia, KS. Learn if you need a car, explore popular employers, the job market, and the best neighborhoods to live in.
City
Overview
Emporia, KS
269 Job Openings